Page:Life and Writings of Homer.pdf/65

Rh Accounts already given of the State of Greece, it is eay to conclude, that the firt mut be till prevalent when Homer lived; a piece of good Fortune that exempted him from the two Vices, to whoe charge the admired Longinus lays the Fall of Poetry: An inatiable Deire of Riches, and what he calls a mean dipiriting Paion,  the Love of Pleaure.

effect, Arms at that time was the honoured Profeion, and a publick Spirit the courted Character: There was a Neceity for them both. The Man who had bravely defended his City, enlarged its Dominion, or died in its Caue, was revered like a God: Love of Liberty, Contempt of Death, Honour, Probity and Temperance, were Realities. There was, as I aid, a Neceity for thoe Virtues : No Safety to Life or Fortune without them; while every State, that is to ay, almot every City was neceitated either to defend itelf againt its warlike Neighbour, or hamefully ubmit to Oppreion and Slavery. And no wonder if the Man who learns these